freshwater resources

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.

Reservoir

A body of water in the hydrologic cycle.

Flux

The movement of water among reservoirs.

Freshwater

Approximately 3% of the world's water is freshwater, with about 2% frozen.

Groundwater

Less than 1% of the world's water that is accessible to humans.

Virtual Water

The total amount of embedded water in a product, also known as water footprint.

Groundwater Overdraft

Pumping groundwater faster than it can be recharged, leading to land subsidence.

Arid Regions

Areas covering 1/3 of the Earth's surface where 1/5 of the population faces water supply problems.

California Central Valley Project

A project that faces demands not met due to uneven distribution, overuse, and pollution.

Bioswale

A vegetated linear depression that cleanses and infiltrates stormwater.

Graywater

Wastewater from bathrooms and laundry that can be reused for irrigation or cooling.

Blackwater

Wastewater from toilets and kitchens, requiring purification before reuse.

Xeriscaping

Landscaping method that uses native or regionally adapted plants to conserve water.

Primary Treatment (Water Treatment Plant)

A physical process where dense particles sink to the bottom of the tank.

Secondary Treatment

A biological process in which bacteria degrade organic material and remove dissolved waste.

Tertiary Treatment

A possible additional treatment process which may use UV light to kill bacteria.

Sustainable Tactics

Strategies aimed at conserving water, such as dual-flush toilets and rainwater harvesting.

Effects of Climate Change on Water

Includes increased flooding and drought, as well as glaciers shrinking, leading to reduced meltwater.

Water Efficiency Program

Programs designed to reduce water consumption, such as rebates for high-efficiency toilets.

Subsurface Water

Water contained in pore spaces in unconsolidated rocky material and bedrock.

Water Table

The top of the saturated zone in an aquifer.

Plastic Bottles and Water

Require 3 gallons of virtual water to produce 1 gallon of bottled water.

Daily Human Water Needs

Humans need a minimum of 50 liters of water per day.

Single Largest Domestic Water Use

Flushing toilets, accounting for about 25% of domestic water use.

Cattle Products Water Use

Cattle products use the most water, with one 6oz red meat patty requiring ~700 gallons.